Beth Huntley, photographer and devoted bachelorette, doesn’t believe in true love. Too much hurt and disappointment has left her hiding behind the camera. All she can see is a black and white world through the lens.

William Lorde, widower and father, was once an open and carefree man. The loss of his wife has left him wrapped up in the needs of his little girl. He can no longer see the colors of the world as he struggles each and every day.
What happens when these two similarly different people meet and help each other to step out of the world they’ve created for themselves? Will they find a love that helps them heal from the past, enjoy their present and create a beautiful future?

Beth was tucked in to my side, my arm draped over her shoulders, and I rubbed her arm supportively. My other hand was covering one of her hands, keeping it from digging at her wrist.

Speechless, I listened for a second time to Beth's tale about a package she had been hiding. Her father and Jackie seemed to be just as shocked as I’d been. I wasn't sure how this conversation between her and Ryan was going to play out.

"All right, explain this again." Ryan asked sharply. “And they better be short sentences. Do you understand me?”

“Yes.” Beth's voice was shaky and understandably so. “Sunday I found an envelope on the steps of the house.”

“And you brought it in the house.” Ryan's voice went up an octave. “I've got that part. What I want clarification on, child, is... what was in it.”

Beth pushed her body tighter into mine. I continued to support her as much as possible.

“I'm waiting.”

This attitude Ryan was taking reminded me of a cop rather than a father. I wasn't fond of it and was about to say so when Beth accidentally cut me off.

“Dad, stop.” She fell out of my arms faster than I thought physically possible. “I know I screwed up. But right now I need my father not a dictator.”

Ryan's face blanched as his eyes bulged. He took a deep breath as he flexed his fists. After a momentary stare down with his daughter, his body sagged. “Beth, I'm sorry, but you've put so many people in danger here.”

“You don't think I know that. I messed up, okay? But I can't change the mistake. I can only try to correct it.” She admitted as she walked over and fell into him.

I could see a future me as he wrapped her up protectively in his arms. “Beth, explain the pictures again.”

“There were three. One was me and Jude. One had William, Angel and I at the park. And the other...” She paused. She had been terrified of the meaning of the last one when she told me the story. “I was by myself.”

“Where is the envelope now?” Ryan asked quietly. It was obvious he had the same realization that Beth and I had.

"In my room at home," Beth answered.

Ryan reached for his phone, tapped on the screen before putting it to his ear. "Answer the phone, boy," Ryan said, muttering to himself. "Wyatt? Call me when you get this message."

"Dad, please," Beth begged. "Don't drag Wyatt into this."

I could see her body tense and I worried that she was in the starting stages of another attack. I wanted to do something, say something that could give Beth a few moments to compose herself.

"Ryan, dear, can we just drop this subject for now? Nothing can be done till Wyatt calls, and I'm sure Beth's been dealing with all of this for long enough." Jackie was quick to assess the situation too.

"Thank you, Jackie, but I think William and I still have some talking to do," Beth objected.

She reached out her hand, silently asking me to come with her. I followed her out to the backyard. Beth stopped and turned, throwing her body against mine. She squeezed her arms tightly around my waist. "I'm so sorry."

I cocooned her within my arms. "Sorry for what?"

"For pulling you and Angel into this." Beth's voice was muffled against my chest. "I'll understand if you want to walk away now. It'll be safer for you if you did."

"What, wait... what?" I didn't even know where to start with this conversation. I pushed Beth away from me so I could look down into her eyes. "Are you serious? Why the hell would I walk away now, after I’ve fought for so long to get you to open up and trust me?"

"I just thought..." Beth was lost and confused.

She’d never dealt with anything like this before. Of course, I’d never dealt with anything like this either, unless you considered the Crystal situation.

I realized what I’d said. The words had been spoken, the feelings exposed. I knew how she felt, she had said it, and we knew how much we both meant to each other.

"Wasn't exactly how I wanted to tell you, but, yes. I love you, Elizabeth Diane Huntley. I would move heaven and earth to make sure you and Angel were safe, secure and protected from all the evils in this world," I declared. "You are now, and always will be, my life. Wherever this world takes you, Angel and I will follow."

Beth fell against me, hanging onto me as if I was the only tangible thing on Earth which existed for her. Her final wall fell as she gave in to the knowledge that she could find happiness in love.

My love for books began at a very small age. I lived inside the many worlds the local library could provide. The characters within those pages were my companions and my support when I needed someone most.

My imagination began to soar as I grew. I began writing small poems as a teenager, but never thought much about publishing or expanding beyond put my words to paper.

After my children were born our love for a certain TV show fueled my love for writing. Using my children as inspiration, I began to write fanfiction, my children being the characters within the stories.

My passion for putting words to paper (or screen as is the norm now) has turned from passion to obsession. I've made some incredible friends through this journey and in turn, have become not only an author but a promoter and supporter for those whose imagination dreams character and worlds that I can lose myself in.

I thank my precious children, my beautiful soul-mate and my forever sister and best friend for being my constant rock and support as I continue to walk this road called life.

This story was absolutely beautiful and sweet. A second change doesn’t happen often but when it does even when it hurts taking their chance at happiness. Beth and William two different people who are hiding for two different reasons. Reading this story, I was drawn in to their world which had so many dimensions. This story is told in every main character’s point of view and it just works, it’s not confusing it just works.
Beth is not looking for love and hiding behind her camera works just fine with her until William walks into her life with a simple request and adds color to her gray world. William isn’t looking for love he is just trying to take care of his baby girl and get through life after his first love was taken from him. This story will definitely pull you in and give you the feels.
Ms. Hayden gives you a love story of second chances that will make you believe in love again. Beth and William story is a story of romance, friendship, and finding happiness when you least expect it. I really enjoyed reading this story and hope to read more Ms.Hayden.

Fifteen
podcast hosts and authors share their favorite short story they've
ever written…

Spirits
by James A. Moore Two
strangers brought together by tragedy are haunted by ghosts of the
past. The
Tin Box by Kelli Owen After
the death of their grandma, siblings make a macabre discovery amongst
her belongings. Some secrets were meant to go to the grave... Short
Straw by Jay Wilburn After
drawing the short straw, the youngest son is delegated to wake every
year to monitor his sleeping family after an apocalypse forced them
into bunkers. But there’s something else out there…..with claws. The
Rag and Bone Man by John Urbancik The
Rag and Bone Man wanders—buying, selling, finding and collecting.
He always has what you need. He always finds what he wants. Or does
he have what you want and finds what he needs? The
Priest by Jaimie Engle A
fallen angel hopes to redeem himself and…